Winter Weight Gain
Why Does It Happen And What Can We Do?
During the winter season, many individuals find themselves experiencing the common issue of weight gain.
It appears that each winter, a few extra pounds manage to sneak their way onto our bodies.
So, unfortunately, they don’t always disappear when summer arrives.
Instead, they tend to linger, gradually adding to our weight each year.
Shedding these extra pounds can be quite challenging.
So, why does this phenomenon occur, and what can we do about it?
There are several contributing factors to winter weight gain.
Firstly, it is believed that we may have a genetic predisposition to store more fat as the winter months approach.
This tendency can be observed in many animal species and likely played a crucial role in the survival of our ancestors.
The additional layers of fat on our bodies serve as insulation against the cold and can be utilized as a source of energy.
Also during the scarcity of food in late winter and early spring.
Consequently, we may naturally consume more food during the fall, when the harvest provides an abundance of nourishment, further facilitating this process.
Additionally, our food choices during this time may unconsciously lean towards options with higher fat content.
Hormone levels also play a role in weight gain.
The intricate interaction between hormones and other chemicals in our brains can lead to fluctuations in appetite and cravings.
Certain neurotransmitters can influence our eating patterns as well.
Individuals who struggle with excess weight often exhibit low levels of these neurotransmitters, resulting in heightened appetite, feelings of depression, and sleep disturbances.
Longer nights can make this happen!
Moreover, the reduction in daylight hours during late fall and winter can trigger a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or winter depression.
To quickly boost energy levels and mood, individuals experiencing this condition often resort to consuming high-carbohydrate foods such as sugary treats, chips, and cereals.
Consequently, those feeling low during the winter season tend to overeat or opt for unhealthy food choices.
This tends to lead to weight gain, exacerbating their depression, and perpetuating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.
In summary, there are numerous reasons why we tend to consume more high-carbohydrate foods like cookies, pies, and chocolate during the winter.
Unfortunately, most of these foods also contain high levels of fats.
However, a practical approach to managing winter weight gain is to substitute these high-fat options with other carbohydrate-rich foods.
They are low in fat and rich in fiber.
This includes incorporating potatoes, wholegrain bread without butter, wholegrain rice, cereals, and fresh whole fruits into our diets.
In addition to dietary modifications, increasing physical activity is crucial.
It is common for our activity levels to decrease during the winter as the cold weather often tempts us to stay indoors and rest.
However, as modern individuals, we have the luxury of heating our homes and access to ample food supplies throughout the year.
Unlike our caveman ancestors, we do not need to store excess fat for survival.
By enrolling in a gym or investing in a stationary bicycle for our indoor space, we can convert those consumed carbohydrates into energy.
Instead of allowing them to accumulate around our waistlines until spring arrives.